Nod Labs has introduced one of the first wearable tech devices in the form of a ring. Unlike other wearables that connect to your smartphone, the Nod is built for gesture controls. The Nod is now available for pre-order at $149.

Touch and gesture controls have already made their way into some consumer electronics devices, but a universal piece of technology like the Nod is still very unique. For example, you can use a Wii remote to control a Wii or you can interact with an Xbox One with the Kinect.

Nod Labs hopes that its product will work with a wide variety of devices. With the relatively lightweight Nod attached to your finger, you will be able to control your TV, computer, smartphone, and many other gadgets with just a wave of your hand.

Compatible Devices

With just a few lines of code, the Nod can connect with devices through Bluetooth, thereby allowing a user to wirelessly interact with their electronics. However, in order for the Nod to work with the different devices, developers of those devices need to be on board with the project.

Nod Labs has already worked with developers at companies like Nest, Hue, Apple, and LG, to make their devices compatible with the Nod. As a result, certain products from each of those companies can be controlled when paired with the device.

While the ring-like Nod is still a little bit clunky and not something that you can wear discretely, it is also just the first version of the device. More important than the design, though, is how many things can be controlled with the product. As Nod Labs puts it, "Because it works with the ever-expanding number of smart devices and objects around us, you can use Nod everywhere: in your home, at the office, and anywhere in between."

Given the current growth in the connected home industry, there is a seemingly endless number of potential applications for the Nod. If developers begin to add Nod's code to everyday devices, it could become one of the most useful wearables to date.

Similar Features, Similar Price

The Nod is unique in many ways, but it is not completely without competitors. A similar product called the Myo was announced just two months ago and is also available for pre-order at $149. Both devices work in practically the same way -- relying on Bluetooth to connect with other electronics -- but the Myo is an armband rather than a ring.

Since each of the gesture control products will work with a plethora of electronics and will be available later this year, a gesture control industry is already beginning to form.

Given the massive amount of attention that the Myo received earlier this year, it is obvious that there are many practical applications for gesture control devices for businesses and individuals. Corporate applications, such as PowerPoint presentations, for each device were shown in their respective videos, which means that the Nod and Myo are being targeted to just about everyone.